Payroll Software Selections

Much like other enterprise applications, the payroll software selection process is rife with potential pitfalls if organizations don't exercise due diligence. However, by subscribing to proven best practices and following the advisement of industry experts, risk can be mitigated and the likelihood for success enhanced. To aid in this endeavor, we developed this payroll system channel to provide the necessary tools for the payroll software selection process—including research, industry veteran podcasts, and expert content—securing what we believe can be predictable and successful methods for your organization's needs.

Featured Payroll Software Selection Articles

For most companies, one of the most common misconceptions about software selection is to be laser-focused on best practices; and payroll applications are no exception. However, converse “worst” practices can have just as much of an impact if not planned for or contained. Here we outline both of those best and worst practices businesses should look out for in payroll selection.

An oft-neglected stage in the payroll software selection process, checking vendor references can result in valuable additional input to the decision-making process and doesn’t have to be a simple last-minute confirmation of the choice of application.

Organizations looking to upgrade, improve, or otherwise change a payroll application, have to get over the hurdle of the initial application’s selection first. What few organizations realize though is that in order for the payroll software selection process to be effective, the right people have to be put together for input, direction, and decisions.

Overly-complicated software selection processes can result in payroll software that refuses to align with organizational needs. However, by gaining an appropriate level of awareness and understanding of the process, these seven common selection mistakes can be avoided and a buyer can find their “best fit” solution.

As the variety and sophistication of payroll software continues to evolve, the potential buyer needs a filter to sift through the myriad system specifications and get down to just the essentials. The five issues we’ve included here form a type of framework to help concentrate on those core points—ensuring a fair assessment and a balanced judgment.

With hundreds of options, the payroll software market has something for every organization. Yet, with so many offerings (all appearing virtually the same), the selection process can easily be inadvertently diverted into debates about features and visible costs. By using this 9-step process though, the issues can be taken in order; resulting in the best possible choice by the buyer.

During a demonstration of payroll software, quite often the “viewing panel” just wants to see the system perform at its best. Unfortunately, all too often demo such as this wind up being little more than a glorified sales pitch. By exercising some control over setting and content, the buyer can ensure an experience that can be compared to other offerings, like for like. Here are our 4 tips.

Payroll software selection is often a rushed endeavor; pieced together from hastily-gathered requirements in an effort to save time and money. Unfortunately, more often than not, this simply results in a badly-fitting solution. However, by following proven best practices and preparing well for potential issues, the right system fit and results can be achieved. This special report provides a guide to these payroll software selection issues—focusing on the elements of process review, system requirements, security, stakeholder engagement, and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).